By Kelsea Mann
We’ve synthesized multiple sources from recent weeks to bring you an updated list of the top 5 Trends in Construction Logistics.
- The Internet of Things
StartUs defines the Internet of Things (IoT) as “a connection of physical devices that monitor and transfer data via the internet and without human intervention”. Everyday examples of these types of devices include home security, activity trackers, and large-scale motion sensing devices. In relation to construction, IoT devices can greatly increase visualization abilities within the supply chain. These devices can be attached to storage containers, materials, or products, and have the capability to monitor ETA for goods, as well as the quality of stored raw materials. This can be especially helpful for reassurance to the supplier that goods are where they’re supposed to be, or are able to be managed in case of any issue.¹
In the same area, Big Rentz defined their third choice for construction trends of 2021 as Remote Worksites and Mobile Access. Site inspections, as well as the process of transferring goods from supplier to on-site contractors, can now take place through your mobile device. This provides more accountability, as well as ease of access to materials and approval meetings. Big Rentz even predicts in their article that “those without complete mobile connectivity will be at a productivity and sales disadvantage going forward”.
- Artificial Intelligence
In our previous article, Top 3 Emerging Logistics Trends 2021, we mentioned technology assistance as apart of our #1 top logistics trend. This conclusion isn’t any less true when focusing specifically on construction. Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities range from Machine Learning, to Natural Language Processing. Machine Learning is about computers interpreting data for the user to draw conclusions from, while Natural Language Processing is used in voice assistants, like Apple’s Siri, or Amazon’s Alexa.
Machine Learning, over any subsection of AI, is especially helpful for professionals in the field of construction. Standard industry practices like requests for information, open issues, and change orders can quickly turn into a mountain of data, which is extremely time consuming for a person, or even a team of people to sort through and analyze. AI has many other capabilities, like preventing cost overrun, risk mitigation, and project planning which can all contribute to making a work site more effective.²
- Building Smart and Sustainable Cities
It has been projected that by 2050, 2 in 3 Americans will live in a city.³ Cities generate the most wealth out of any geographic area, but also place the largest strain on resources, and produce the most waste. Large companies like Microsoft, Cisco and IBM are investing heavily into projects focusing on building smart, sustainable cities.² A new study from the International Data Corporation (IDC) reported that International 2020 spending on smart cities reached $124 billion, a nearly 20% increase since 2019. Just the four cities of Singapore, Tokyo, London and New York dominate this category with $1 billion in spending.⁴
Collaborations between these big tech companies and innovative startups are creating technology which is able to track weather, energy use, utilities, safety, transportation, and waste management.³ This type of city especially focuses on resource conservation, and examples include New York’s Hudson Yards, Masdar City in the Emirates, Songdo International Business District in South Korea and more.
- Modular and Offsite Construction
Driven by a lack of skilled labor, ability to cut costs and residential demand, modular and offsite construction is booming. The US Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index reported that “Of general contractors already using modular construction, 67 percent expect modular use to increase over the next three years, 24 percent expect demand to remain the same, and none expect it to decrease”. Other benefits include increased worker safety, and eco-friendly benefits.
How is modular construction better for construction companies, and for the environment? First, it’s associated with a huge decrease in construction waste.⁵ Modular construction parts that aren’t used on one site can be recycled on another, lowering the massive 56 million tons of debris generated every year. In relation to recycling, modular buildings have the ability to be built with sustainable materials that other projects might not be able to use. Reduced energy consumption and reduced environmental waste due to the cookie-cutter nature of building materials are also vital assets of modular construction.
- Last Mile
Last mile delivery, a term which encompasses the last step of the supply chain, is becoming increasingly important in not only construction, but to any company using warehouses/supply houses. This area is often inefficient but simultaneously comprises a major portion of the total cost to move goods, and customer satisfaction depends on it.⁶ Customer nuances and delivery density.
Your company can optimize your last mile by integrating with third party companies, such as tech-logistics startup PartRunner. PartRunner takes the complications of fleet management and delivery tracking out of your hands, so you can focus on what you know best. Simultaneously, PartRunner utilizes their network of vans, trucks, SUVs and other large vehicles to transport any bulky delivery you need, at any time. The PartRunner web and mobile app make it easy for you to schedule deliveries days in advance, or even get your parts delivered within the same day.
Check out partrunner.com, and make sure you subscribe to wherever you’re seeing this blog post for more!
¹https://www.blumeglobal.com/learning/internet-of-things/
²https://constructible.trimble.com/construction-industry/the-benefits-of-ai-in-construction
³https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/anatomy-of-a-smart-city
⁴https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/idc-worldwide-smart-city-spending-124B-2020/572352/
⁵https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/modular-construction-environmental-benefits
Highly informative blog. You can learn a lot about logistics trends.
Looking forward to read more content.